Microsoft quietly bumps Surface Pro 2 processor

New systems add 300MHz of extra processing power.

When we reviewed Microsoft's Surface Pro 2, we found that it packed all the performance punch of a laptop computer thanks to its Intel i5-4200U processor running at 1.6-2.6 GHz.

That strength has become even stronger, with CNET reporting that at least some new Surface Pro 2 systems are being equipped with the Intel i5-4300U, running at 1.9-2.9 GHz. The new CPU also increases the top clockspeed of the integrated GPU, capping it at 1.1GHz instead of 1.0GHz.

OEMs swapping out components in their systems isn't uncommon, with disks, LCD panels, wireless chipsets, and more all being substituted from time to time to cut costs or smooth out supply line anomalies. This practice was reflected in Microsoft's official statement about the change: "Microsoft routinely makes small changes to internal components over the lifetime of a product, based on numerous factors including supply chain partnerships, availability, and value for our customers."

Supply chain issues seem a plausible reason for the change; Intel advertises the same price for both processors ($281), and their thermal constraints are identical, so if the faster part happens to be easier to get a hold of, it makes sense to use it rather than stick with the slower one.

Swapping out a CPU, however, is still a bit surprising. While OEMs rarely bother to include trivia such as who makes their RAM or the flash chips in their SSDs, they do still generally make a point of describing the processors that power their systems. The processor to a great extent defines the system's performance, and if you're doing heavy work on a Surface Pro 2, this is a significant update.

The spec page for Surface Pro 2, however, remains non-committal, stating merely that the tablet uses a 4th generation Intel Core i5. This gives the wiggle room for the upgrade; it also means that the company could safely return to the slower 4200U in the future if it made sense.